Welcome to an Extraordinary School

When I first came to Rowland Hall in 1992, I noticed the vibrant and dynamic learning culture that is now a trademark of the school. Teachers and staff saw themselves not just as educators, but as students, too. It gave me great excitement to join such a thriving community that would not only offer my children a top-notch education, but would allow me to embrace the title of “Head Learner” for many years.

Today, our learning culture is stronger than ever. Visit classrooms and you’ll find teachers incorporating practices based on the latest brain research, or guiding children through collaborative projects. Talk to students and you’ll hear about summer internships in science, the growth of maker spaces on campus, or how they choreographed a dance piece about their relationship with technology. Attend a parent forum and you’ll learn strategies for discussing sensitive topics with children, tested and recommended by experts and school administrators. We have created an environment where students witness adults modeling the learning behaviors asked of them, and this generates enthusiasm and inspiration for everyone to strive for excellence.

At Rowland Hall, we’re proud to be at the forefront of education in the Intermountain West. We want our students to focus on learning as a process, feel safe taking risks, and develop curiosity and compassion. Perhaps most importantly, we are dedicated to graduating good citizens who are well prepared for college. Nothing gives me more joy than hearing from alumni that Rowland Hall gave them the knowledge and resilience to succeed in life, long after their classroom days had ended.

I invite you to contact our Admissions team to arrange a visit to our school. You will find a warm community of active, dedicated learners ready to welcome you and your children to Rowland Hall.

Alan Sparrow has been Head of School at Rowland Hall since 1992. He came to Rowland Hall after eight years as the Upper School Principal at Seven Hills School in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was a Middle School Principal in Rochester, New York for four years and prior to that, spent eight years in the classroom teaching fifth through twelfth grades. Alan holds a B.A. in Psychology from Brown University, a M.A. in History, and a M.S. in Educational Administration from the University of Rochester.

While at Rowland Hall, Alan was the longest serving member of the board of the Northwest Association of Independent Schools, and served as President, Vice-President and Secretary of the Board. Alan has also been involved in various other educational associations, and regularly is asked to give presentations on independent school issues around the country.